Lord Royston married Elizabeth, daughter of Sir George Mackenzie of Rosehaugh but their only son, George, predeceased him. When James Mackenzie, Lord Royston died in 1744 he was survived by two daughters, Anne who married but without issue and Elizabeth who married Sir John Stewart of Grandtully with issue. According to contemporary documents, the Royston estate rental records of Avoch, in 1747 the estate was then held by Lord Royston's grandson, John Stewart. In 1826, the dormant male Baronetcy of Royston was assumed by a descendant of the Mackenzies of Cromarty and Tarbat, Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander Mackenzie. He died in 1841 without issue and so was succeeded by his younger brother, Sir James Sutherland Mackenzie, who also died unmarried in 1858 and the Baronetcy of Royston became dormant again. Upon his death the baronetcy should have gone to his cousin John Mackenzie, but he did not assume the title. Sir Alexander Mackenzie Intrepid Scottish explorer in Canada Sir Alexander Mackenzie, the first European to explore the great Canadian river now known as the Mackenzie River, crossing North America twice, to the Arctic Ocean in 1789 and Pacific Ocean in 1793, retired to Avoch in 1812 where he died in 1820 and was buried in the old Avoch Parish churchyard. Culture Industry Much of Avoch's wealth has come from its fishing industry, and it remains a significant contributor to the village economy, with several large fishing boats owned or crewed from Avoch and an active fishermen's co-operative based there. The harbour is no longer used by the larger boats for landing but is used by leisure craft and boats taking visitors to see the dolphins in the inner Moray Firth at Chanonry Point. In addition to the fishing industry, commuting to Inverness and tourism provide income to the village. Lazy Corner, named for the youngsters who gathered there to pass the time, has been moved by the road widening in the Eighties, and spruced up by a sculpture intended to add character to the village. It is still a gathering place. See also Clootie well References External links Populated places on the Black Isle Ports and harbours of Scotland Parishes in Ross and Cromarty